Already a month into 2018, and I can already tell this year is going to fly by! I don't know about you, but my calendar is filling up quickly - if you're looking for something fun to do with your dog this month, I've got a few ideas:

Things to do with your dog in Houston (February 2018):

February 3 - Meadowlake's Puppy Bowl. Teams of puppies will compete for touchdowns and fans can watch on Meadowlake's Facebook and Instagram feeds. Everyone wins!

February 3 - Champagne and Yoga in the Heights. Dog-friendly yoga class followed by champagne social, benefiting Animal Justice League.

February 10 - 2nd Annual PuppyUp Walk in The Woodlands. A fun walk with your dog, vendors, music, silent auction, and refreshments all to raise money for cancer research both human and canine.

Today I'd like to introduce you to Michelle Trejo, the person behind BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) Houston. We met at Bar Boheme's dog friendly patio , where I also got to meet her dogs Lily and Lylo. Michelle is one of the most contagiously enthusiastic and upbeat people I have ever met, and I think you'll love her too!

Michelle with Lily and Lylo

Me: First of all, tell me about your dogs!

Michelle: I have two shelties, Lily and Lylo. Lily is three years old, super excitable, and drinks only Ozarka water. She was the reason I started seeking out dog-friendly establishments and the inspiration behind BYOD. Lylo is two years old, super chill, and a mama's boy. We have a tradition of taking an annual photo every New Year's Eve:

photo credit: Michelle Trejo

Me: Tell me a little about how BYOD Houston got started.

Michelle: My dog Lily and I were regulars at a chill dog-friendly restaurant until one day when the waiter informed us that the restaurant had changed ownership and was no longer dog-friendly. We were asked to leave. I then began searching for other places where Lily would be welcome and chronicling our adventures on Instagram, where many other Houstonians followed along and joined in. One such follower suggested a meet-up event, and I organized the first get-together at Cottonwood in the spring of 2014. At the time, organizing events, Instagraming, and blogging about dog-friendly places in Houston was a hobby, but soon turned transitioned into BYOD.

Lily at Bar Boheme

Me: So what does BYOD look like today?

Michelle: Currently BYOD Houston is a membership community that connects dog lovers to Greater Houston's best dog-friendly deals, events, and recreational activities. The website was launched in October 2017, and members can join for $2.99/month which gives them access to special deals from partner businesses and free admission to BYOD events. Non-members can also use the site to find dog-friendly parks, trails, campgrounds, and businesses.

Me: What do people ask you the most about BYOD?

Michelle: Many people ask if they have to have a dog to participate in BYOD, and the answer is no! Everyone is welcome, whether you have a dog or not.

The second most frequent question is whether you have to be a BYOD member to attend the events, and the answer to that is also no! While members enjoy certain perks (deals and free admission to events), all are welcome.

Lylo at Bar Boheme

Me: Do you have a background in the dog industry?

Michelle: No, but I have a passion for helping others and making an impact in the community. In undergrad, I volunteered with an organization that supported troubled youth, and while earning my masters from Rice, I opened an online jewelry shop where a percentage of the proceeds were donated to different causes. The customers voted on which organizations would receive the donations, and many were animal rescue groups. Once I got Lily, I became more interested in promoting responsible dog ownership and making our community more dog friendly.

Me: What is your favorite thing about BYOD?

Michelle: My favorite thing is knowing that the BYOD mission is bringing the community together to create experiences for people to share with their dogs. Occasionally I receive emails from Houston dogs thanking me. For example, Lucy wrote to tell me about an awesome kayaking and camping trip she experienced at Riva Row Boat House in the Woodlands based off information her parents found on the BYOD website. That's awesome!

photo credit: Lucy's parents (Instagram @lucylatitis)

Me: What are some of the challenges as you get BYOD Houston off the ground?

Michelle: While Houston has come a long way, it is still not the most dog-friendly city. Some laws and old-school ways of thinking have presented challenges in making Houston more accessible to dogs. I get told "no" a lot.

Me: Tell me about the BYOD Launch Party that's taking place on Saturday January 6.

Michelle: The Launch Party is going to be fabulous! It will be held 8-11pm on January 6 at the Sharespace Studio. BYOD is rolling out the red carpet for you and your dog - enjoy music, small bites, wine, beer, contests, raffles, and meeting other dog-loving friends. Local celebrity pooch Griffin from JW Marriott Downtown will be in attendance, and the event will benefit Houston PetSet, a local charity organization supporting animal welfare in the greater Houston area. Tickets are $10 presale, $15 at the door, and free for BYOD and ClubPet members. Dogs are welcome, but not required! Get your tickets here.

Me: What's in store for BYOD in 2018?

Michelle: We are planning to organize at least one event each month for dogs and their people to meet and socialize. New business partners are joining the BYOD membership site all the time, so stay tuned for more fun dog-friendly deals around town!

Michelle with Lily and Lylo

Thank you Michelle for sharing with us! To learn more about Happy Dogs, Happy Places and to become a BYOD member, visit the BYOD website. Hope to see you at the BYOD Launch Party on January 6!

First things first: Go 'Stros!!

What an exciting World Series! And I love how Houston is coming together to celebrate this big win! I didn't go to any of the playoff or WS games, but instead, I curled up on the couch with the puppies to watch the Astros each night.

Now... let's talk about what else is happening around Houston this month... and get ready, this weekend looks like a lot of fun!

Things to do with your dog in Houston (November 2017):

November 4 - Bark in the Park in Conroe. Explore the great outdoors through Grand Central Park's community trails with a fun after-party, benefiting Operation Pets Alive!

November 4 - The Bonfire Texas festival Gone to the Dogs! at the Blisswood Bed & Breakfast in Cat Spring. Good ol' country fun: live music and dancing, BBQ, hay rides, bonfire, and s'mores! Benefiting All Border Collie Rescue and Fosters of Blisswood.

November 5 - Doggies Who Brunch at Around the Corner. Brunch with your pampered pooch and meet new dog-loving friends. Benefiting Friends For Life animal shelter.

November 15 - Yappy Hour at Midtown Park. Check out this newly-opened park in Midtown with a dog park! Treats, prizes, doga (dog yoga), and more!

November 18 - Celebrity Paws Gala 2017 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Get dressed up and join CAP for a night of fun to celebrate Honorees and benefit Houston's homeless pets.

November 24 - Yappy Hour at Bagby Park in Midtown. After you recover from your turkey coma, join your neighbors at a doggie playdate happy hour. Treats, contests, and prizes!

November 24 - Home for the Pawlidayz adoption event at CAP. Zappos is sponsoring all adoption fees at CAP animal shelter for the three-day weekend. Give thanks and consider adopting a new member into your family.

Do you have your calendar ready? October is a huge month for fall festivals, costume contests, and dog-related fundraisers. Plus as the weather cools down, we'll all be flocking to the dog parks and dog-friendly patios. Enjoy!

Things to do with your dog in Houston (October 2017):

October 1 - Blessing of the Animals at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in the Heights. Stay for beer, hot dogs, and live music!

October 4 - Wag Tantrum Launch Party at The Owl Bar. Come out and celebrate a new Houston-based dog food line made from human-grade ingredients. Proceeds benefit Save-A-Pet non-profit.

October 6 - Rebel With a Cause gala at Silver Street Studios. Dinner, drinks, music, and auction benefiting Friends For Life animal shelter.

October 7-8 - PetFest in Old Town Spring. This outdoor festival features parade, wiener races, costume contests, dog shows, and over 60 exhibitors.

October 14 - Strut Your Mutt 5K at Stude Park. This annual charity walk put on by Best Friends Animal Society helps raise funds for many of Houston's animal rescue organizations, and you get to choose where your money goes. Also includes a festival, doggie yoga, pet portraits, music and contests.

October 21 - Mutts & Melodies at Green Street downtown. Enjoy live music while playing with puppies! Pup Squad Animal Rescue will host pet adoptions.

October 24 - BYOD Houston launch. Ever had trouble finding information on dog-friendly businesses around town? If you haven't yet heard about BYOD (bring your own dog), head on over to the website and check it out - you don't want to miss it!

July 19-23 - Houston World Series of Dog Shows. Held indoors at NRG Park, this show has breed judging, obedience, agility racing, frisbee catching, and dog dancing. Tons of vendors and demonstrations on dog health, training, grooming, and more.